• November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 18 – 19)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Day 19

    Who: School Teachers

    Since they only have a couple days of school this week with the Thanksgiving Holiday the girls delivered their Thanksgiving gifts to their teachers today (Monday).  The girls took thank you cards and some sweet treats to give to their teachers today.

    Day 18

    Who:  Awana Leaders

    The girls go to Awana on Sunday evenings when Jake & I go to Community Group.  Our church does the Awana program at our local school.  Brina and Karlie are in the Sparks right now.  They have been learning various verses, books of the bible and more recently.  As a way to say thank you to their Sparks Leaders on Sunday we sent a thank you card and some goodies to give to their leaders.

    Day 17

    Who:  Neighbors

    Over the last few years we noticed a big difference in our interactions with our neighbors once we started reaching out more.  We try to stop by their homes to say “hi” and deliver goodies several times throughout the year.  Brina and Karlie especially enjoy bringing vegetables from our garden or little gifts around the Holidays to share with the people who live on our block.  The girls took time this morning (Saturday) walking from house to house delivering “Happy Thanksgiving” cards to each of our neighbors.  They had a blast talking with the neighbors and delivering the notes.  Hopefully the notes were a blessing to those who live on our street too.  Thankful for our little street and the neighbors who live here.

  • November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days (Days 13 -17)

    As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

    It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

    Side Note: Sorry about getting a little behind on these items this week.  It has been a tough week with being sick so I had to double up on a couple items this week.  Now that I am feeling better hopefully I will stay on top of it. Thanks for understanding and hanging in there with me, life has a way of throwing curve balls even into the best of plans! 🙂

    Day 17

    Who:  Neighbors

    Over the last few years we noticed a big difference in our interactions with our neighbors once we started reaching out more.  We try to stop by their homes to say “hi” and deliver goodies several times throughout the year.  Brina and Karlie especially enjoy bringing vegetables from our garden or little gifts around the Holidays to share with the people who live on our block.  The girls took time this morning (Saturday) walking from house to house delivering “Happy Thanksgiving” cards to each of our neighbors.  They had a blast talking with the neighbors and delivering the notes.  Hopefully the notes were a blessing to those who live on our street too.  Thankful for our little street and the neighbors who live here.

    Day 16

    Who:  Nephew

    I am thankful for family and friends as well as the time we get to spend with them.  Today our family had a little “celebration” at our house today for the completion of a big project….so proud of my girls for working so hard on it too.  The girls were excited to have their cousin join them in the celebration.  The menu chosen by the kids was taco’s and fruit, which were a big hit with everyone.  Almost all of the decorations and entertainment was done by the kids as well.  They made cookies, ate blue popcorn, played, sang, and had a blast together.  As a way of saying thank you for coming we sent him home with a bag of blue popcorn and a plate full of decorated cookies.  I am thankful that the girls have family in the area that they can hang out with for an evening, have fun, and make memories together.  Time spent with cousins is always an adventure! I am thankful for the all my nieces and nephews as well as for the time we get to spend with them.

    Day 15

    Who: Grocery Store Clerk

    This week wasn’t one of most efficient with all the sickness.  Everything seemed to take more time and energy to do.  I did make a quick run to the grocery store for milk, eggs, and a couple other items.  The same store clerk that I usually see was working the register that morning.  One of the jobs most clerks have to do is “up-sell” a certain amount of specific items near the counter for the week or month.  I VERY rarely purchase any of those items, but occasionally if I have had a lot of interaction with the same clerk over several weeks (or months with some) today I bought one item to help them out and say “thanks” for taking the time to check me out.  I worked as a grocery store clerk for several years and it isn’t a very glorified job, however, so many of the people I see have great attitudes about the work they are doing and that is always appreciated by me (and I am sure other customers as well).

  • Local Activities: “Dine Out for Mom” Event on Thursday, October 25, 2012

    There is a special event going on tomorrow, Thursday, October 25, 2012 called Dine Out For Mom which is a part of the Let There Be Mom organization.  As a Mom with small children it is important for me to remember that life is precious, sweet, and short.  We never know what joys and trials life will bring our way.  You may know of a friend or family member that has gone through serious illness and given only a short amount of time to live.   This event is to remind us to celebrate life, create memories, cherish our family, and help others because our life here on earth is not forever.

    What is Let There Be Mom? It is an organization that provides help to Moms when they or their spouse is diagnosed with a serious illness.  How was it started?   “Let There Be Mom” comes along side the family going through this difficult time to preserve memories.  They do this through a variety of services tailored to meet the needs and wishes of the individual families. Some examples of ways you can get involved – photography, scrapbooks,  journals, videos, meals, errands, special events, care packages, family cookbooks, and many more wonderful activities.  The Dine Out For Mom event tomorrow is designed to help raise funds for this great organization.   When you eat at one of the participating restaurants they will donate a portion of the proceeds to “Let There Be Mom” so they can continue to help families that are losing a loved one.

    Take some time out of your busy day to meet a friend for lunch or take the family out for dinner.  What a great way to spend time with those you love while helping a wonderful organization that is committed to preserving family memories.

    For more information about the “Let There Be Mom” organization, their services, and how to get involved please visit their website.

  • Guest “Welcome” Basket

    Welcome Basket

    Occasionally we have missionaries, family, or friends staying with us that have been or will be traveling.  When they stop by for a few days or weeks we try to make sure to have a “welcome” letter and basket full of goodies for them to use.  They can go through the basket and pick out any items that their family can use or take with them.  If there are some items that they won’t use they can give them away or leave them.

    One of the best parts about shopping the sales and using coupons is you have an opportunity to be a blessing to people that you meet.  I love being able to pack a basket full of products for our guests to pick out what they want or need.  It saves them a little cash plus they don’t need to make that extra trip to the store.

    Here are some of the items in the basket pictured above that was beside the guest bed for a family earlier this year:

    • Women’s Deodorant
    • Men’s Deodorant
    • Breathe Right Strips
    • Finger Nail Polish
    • Trident Gum
    • Adult Mouthwash
    • Kids Mouthwash
    • Floss – Adult & Kids
    • Sheets Energy Strips
    • Men’s Shaving Foam
    • Men’s Razors
    • Women’s Shaving Cream
    • Women’s Razors
    • Hand Sanitizer
    • New Toothbrushes (for adults & kids)
    • Antibacterial Bandaids
    • Eye Drops
    • Women’s Body Wash
    • Men’s Body Wash
    • Kids Kool Fever Busters
    • Chapstick
    • Lotion
    • Cologne
    • Perfume
    • Women’s Body Spray
    • Men’s Body Spray
    • Feminine Products
    • Adult Toothpaste
    • Kids Toothpaste
    • Contact Cleaning & Rinse Solution
    • Pens / Pencils
    • Paper
    • Kid’s Medicine
    • Adult Medicine
    • And More!!!!!

    Our family doesn’t have everything money can buy, but we have been richly blessed with many items so it is a real treat being able to share what we have with others.  If there is something specific I know a guest enjoys (food, products, or other items) I do my best to make sure it is available for them when they arrive.  I don’t always remember (or get it right) but I think it helps make your guests feel welcome when you have something to welcome them into your home.  If I don’t have a basket ready for them I try to put out a note or something little on the bed or in the guest bathroom for them.  How do you make your guests feel welcome when they come to stay in your home?

  • Teaching Our Children: Teamwork and Manners

    Playing outside with the neighbor kids. Karlie and Brina working together to push their friend up the driveway!

    Our neighborhood is pretty small and currently we are the only family on the street that is not retired.  I am thankful for our neighbors and we have grown to really enjoy them over the past few years.  A year ago another family lived on the street with kids about the same age as the girls and they would come over a couple times a week to play.  They only moved a few miles away and since their grandparents still live in our neighborhood they come over every couple weeks or so to play.

    If it is a nice day the kids have a blast outside running, swinging, riding bikes, and playing together.  I am thankful for the opportunity to spend a few minutes with our neighbor and the kids love being able to play with their friends.  The picture above was taken a few weeks ago when their friends come to play.  The kids took turns riding the “go cart” as the girls call it down the driveway and pushing each other back up the driveway.  As I was watching the kids play together I was reminded of the importance of having friends over to play.  There are many valuable learning benefits to having friends over to play, here’s just a few:

    • Taking Turns – it teaches the kids the importance of taking turns so everyone has the opportunity to enjoy playing.
    • Sharing – a toy may have been given to your child, however, when friends are over your child will learn how to share those toys and have fun.
    • Teamwork – when siblings or friends work together it is pretty amazing what they can do.  Even though this “go cart” is pretty heavy for one kid to push up the driveway when they work together they can get it up the driveway more quickly thus giving the kids more turns to ride the go cart.
    • Friendship – having guests over allows your kids to learn valuable characteristics in a friendship.
    • Conflict Resolution – When you have a group of kids for an extended period of time something is bound to happen (someone’s not taking turns, a child is losing a game, a toy gets broken, someone skins a knee, etc..)   Sometimes you need to step in and play referee during the event and other times it is best to speak with your child after the activities once the friends have gone home.  Life doesn’t always go perfectly which allows great teaching moments for children.

    Next time your children have friends over don’t worry about the mess, instead focus on making that time a learning opportunity for your children.  When everything goes well thank them for playing nicely, using their manners, and being a true friend while their guests were over.  If something happens (not taking turns, sharing, showing characteristics of a true friendship) take the opportunity to talk about what happened and how to do better next time.

    These activities with our children provide great reminders for us as parents as well.  Are we being a good friend / hostess to guests who come into our homes?  When our children see how we interact with our friends we are giving them an example of what manners and friendship characteristics are acceptable.  Our actions speak volumes to our children so make sure your are practicing the principles you want to your child to learn.

  • Family Recipe: Deannie’s BBQ Brisket

    It’s grilling time!  I love grilling out with family and friends!  There is just something about the BBQ and grilled taste in the warmer seasons.  Although, hamburgers and hotdogs are great I enjoy experimenting and trying out new grilling recipes.  My Aunt Mary Ann shared Deannie Kelleher’s BBQ Brisket Recipe with me several years ago.  If you have a smoker oven/grill this recipe is perfect for you, otherwise you can get tender and tasty brisket by cooking it in your oven. You will need to start this recipe the night before you want to eat it.  It is a wonderful recipe for hosting guests because you can start early and have a delicious meal ready when they arrive!

    Deannie’s BBQ Brisket:

    • 1/2 to 1/3 Liquid Smoke Bottle
    • Onion Salt
    • Garlic Salt
    • Celery Salt
    • BBQ Sauce (your choice of flavor)

    The night before cooking your brisket.  Pour liquid smoke over the brisket.  Shake a generous amount of onion salt, garlic salt, and celery salt on the brisket.  Cover with foil and set overnight in the fridge.  Keep covered with foil and sprinkle with black pepper and BBQ sauce.  Bake at 250 degrees for about 5 hours.  After 5 hours at 250 degrees remove, let cool, slice an add BBQ sauce then return to oven for 30 more minutes.

    Picture by McCun934

  • Vacation: We’re HOME!!!!

     

    Brina & Karlie riding on the airplane! Thankful to two kids who LOVE to travel, what a great adventure for them!!!

    The girls and I had a wonderful trip out to the Midwest to see family over Spring Break and Easter.  We are thankful for the amazing memories we made during our visit.  The girls learned a lot more about the farm and were able to spend time with extended family.  We arrived home late last night (or should we say really early this morning).  Today we have hit the ground running and are back to work, school, and a busy routine.  I have a lot of catching up to do over the next few days between appointments and work.  It was a super fun time in Kansas and our time away went by very quickly.   It is great to be home with Daddy and Skipper again, hopefully they are ready for their 3 silly girls!

    I apologize for being a little out of touch and off schedule with the posts.  As soon as the dust settles I will be back to the full schedule.  It was wonderful meeting and speaking with several people across the United States that read this blog.  I am very blessed with amazing family, friends, and readers.  If you haven’t done so already make a comment for the Giveaway at the end of this week!

  • Book: “Made to Crave” by Lysa Terkeurst

    I recently attended a Ladies Bible Study at our church and we went through Lysa Terkeurst’s book and study guide “Made to Crave: Satisfying Your Deepest Desire with God, Not Food”  It was great reading a book that redirected our focus off food or other objects that we turn to when we want comfort or for celebration and turning our focus onto God.  The book isn’t a diet or healthy eating plan.  It is more of a guide to help you get your priorities in place.  If you are looking to eat healthier it gives you steps on how to set up a plan, find an accountability partner, and scripture to encourage you.  It was a refreshing yet challenging book to read.  I enjoyed going through the book and study with friends as well.  It was neat hearing their thoughts about the lessons and their own journeys as well.

    While I was going through the Bible Study I had the opportunity to attend the Extraordinary Women’s Conference at the Bi-Lo Center in Greenville, SC.  I was able to hear Lysa speak during that weekend and meet her in person.  It was really neat to meet the author of the book I was currently reading, I even got her to sign my two books that I had of hers!  The other amazing blessing about that weekend is I was able to spend some extra time with some girlfriends while my husband took care of the girls.  Having some time learning and celebrating with friends was a real treasure.  Thankful for a man who gave me the opportunity to go!

  • Heart Reflections: It’s Not About Us

    As Moms, wives, and friends we get involved in so many activities.  It is easy for our lives and schedules to quickly fill up to the point of bursting.  When our lives, hearts, and schedules get packed full we don’t have the flexibility to spontaneously help and encourage others.

    A month ago I had the blessing of taking a quick road trip with friends.  It was encouraging to spend time with a friend, another Mom.  We have been richly blessed with amazing people in our lives.  Also, we have a lot to be grateful for yet we often get too busy and don’t take enough time to focus about what’s really important.  We forget that other Mom’s are going through many of the same struggles that we go through.  We are not alone.

    As Moms we want to allow our children the freedom to grow while at the same time protect them from danger and harm.  There are many mistakes we make as Moms which can often lead to the feeling of guilt. Even though we make many mistakes in our lives and as parents God is much bigger than us.  The focus really isn’t on or about us at all.  Not only that but we are not called to raise “perfect” kids, the goal is to raise godly kids with the help of our spouse, extended family, church leaders, friends, and most importantly Christ. No one is perfect and to expecting our children to be that way is setting everyone up for disappointment.

    • The first step is reflecting his love, grace and mercy through our lives in our words and actions starting first in our homes.  We will continue to make a mess of some situations, but He forgives and helps point us back to what really is important.  God has the power to work in our lives and family despite our failures.  He is not surprised by those bumps in the road nor do they slow Him down.  When we are relying on him for strength we will have more energy to focus on helping our children each step of the way.

    Having the opportunity to raise and watch my girls grow has been a truly amazing adventure.  As Moms we need to pray for our children, families and those our lives touch.  We don’t know the path before us so we need to trust in His faithfulness and promises for today. While I was on bedrest for weeks the phrase that I repeated continually was “Day by Day”.  Getting through the tasks and plans that are to be accomplish today, not tomorrow or yesterday, just today!

    • Therefore the second step is praying for our kids.  One of my prayers for our girls is that they will grow up to know Him and have a soft heart willing to soak in His teachings as well as  listen to His guidance.  I hope that my girls will be able to see past their Moms shortcomings and have a direct relationship with a heavenly Father who loves them even more than their Mom and Dad.  No person or family is perfect.  I am thankful for a husband who plays an active role in the lives of our children and for a God who loves, heals, and protects our family.  It’s okay to loosen my grip a little regarding my children because I know I can hand my concerns about my children and their lives over to Him knowing He has their best interest at heart.

    We often get wrap up in what we need to get done that we miss some of the beautiful moments we have with our children.  Our girls are growing up quickly and I have to constantly remind myself that it’s not about us.  Our calling is so much bigger and better than just our schedule and agenda.  We have to continually remind ourselves of what truly matters and to purposely take the extra few minutes each day this week to really spend quality time with our families.

    “Heart Reflections” is a series of thoughts and encouragement that come directly from my heart.  Life has a way of throwing us extra challenges and when our focus is pulled away from what is truly important we tend to feel the pressure of stress in our lives.  This series is created to remind us that we are part of something so much bigger than ourselves.  We don’t have to face the pressure of life on our own.  We can trust that our prayers are being heard.  He alone knows what’s best for us and gives us the appropriate strength to get through each day as it is set before us.

    Photo by Seattle Municipal Archives